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Bodyweight Exercises Table of Contents Arm Neck and Shoulders Chest Core Back Thighs Glutes Calves Whole-Body

Arm Exercise: Triceps Extension Major Body Part: Arm Level: 3 Movement: Targeted, Bilateral Execution: 1. Place your hands on the corner of a table or seat of a chair and back into proper position. 2. Keeping your body in a straight line with straight legs, straight arms, weight on the toes, and the abdominals and glutes braced, lower your body by bending the elbows. 3. Raise the body by using the triceps to extend the elbows. Picture:

Exercise: Short-Lever Triceps Extension Major Body Part: Arm

Level: 2 Movement: Targeted, Bilateral Picture: People who find this movement challenging may shorten the lever by performing the movement from the knees, thereby reducing the total percentage of body weight being lifted. Use a sturdy chair or coffee table for this exercise; a standard table is too high.

Exercise: Short-Lever Inverted Curl Major Body Part: Arm Level: 2 Movement: Targeted, Bilateral Execution: 1. Lying on your back, set up under a sturdy table or tall chair with your hands grasping the outer edges, palms facing each other. 1. With your torso and legs in a straight line, neck in neutral position, knees bent at 90 degrees, weight on the heels, and the abdominals and glutes braced, raise your body by bending the elbows. (When the neck is in neutral position, the head and neck remain in their natural positions and are not tilted up or back.) 2. Lower to starting position under control, moving mostly at the elbows and not the shoulders. Picture:

Exercise: Long-Lever Inverted Curl Major Body Part: Arm Level: 3 Movement: Targeted, Bilateral Picture: People who find this movement to be easy may lengthen the lever by performing the movement with straight legs that are elevated on to another chair or bench, thereby increasing the total percentage of body weight being lifted.

Exercise: Biceps Chin-Up Major Body Part: Arm Level: 3 Movement: Vertical Pulling, Bilateral Execution: 1. Begin in a full-stretch position, hanging from a secure rafter or a chin-up bar with straight arms and a supinated grip, palms facing you. The toes will be off the ground and the knees can be bent if that’s more comfortable. 2. Pull the body over the rafter or chin-up bar to sternum height while keeping the core stable. 3. Lower the body under control making sure you come all the way down. Picture:

Exercise: Narrow Triceps Push-Up Major Body Part: Arm Level: 3 Movement: Horizontal Pressing, Bilateral Execution:

1. Lie face down with the hands positioned shoulder-width apart and the elbows tucked into the body. 2. With the feet together and the core stable, press the body up. 3. Lower the body until the chest touches the floor. Picture:

Exercise: Diamond Triceps Push-Up Major Body Part: Arm Level: 3 Movement: Horizontal Pressing, Bilateral Picture:

The diamond triceps push-up is a bit more challenging than the narrow triceps push-up because it relies more heavily on the triceps. This variation is performed with the hands touching each other and forming a diamond shape with the thumbs and index fingers. Exercise: Short-Lever Triceps Push-Up Major Body Part: Arm Level: 2 Movement: Horizontal Pressing, Bilateral Picture: People who struggle with regular narrow triceps push-ups may shorten the lever by performing the movement from the knees. This reduces the total percentage of body weight being hoisted and allows for stricter form to be used.

Exercise: Three-Point Bench Dip Major Body Part: Arm Level: 2 Movement: Vertical Pressing, Bilateral Execution: 1. Set up three chairs so that your feet are resting on one and your body is centered between the other two. (If you have access to weight benches, you can perform this exercise using two weight benches. Set the benches parallel to each other. Place your palms on one bench and your heels on the other so your body is perpendicular to the benches.) 2. With your palms on the end of the two chairs, fingers forward, and your torso upright and legs in a straight line, lower the body under control until you receive an adequate stretch. Don’t go too low; this could be dangerous. Upper arms parallel to the floor is deep enough. 3. Push your body up back to starting position. Picture:

Neck and Shoulders Exercise: Wall Anterior Neck Isohold Major Body Part: Neck Level: 2 Movement: Targeted Execution 1. Place a folded towel on the forehead. 2. From a standing position with arms at the sides, lean against the wall, making sure to keep the body in a straight line. 3. Hold for the desired amount of time.

Picture:

Exercise: Wall Posterior Neck Isohold Major Body Part: Neck Level: 2 Movement: Targeted Picture:

The posterior neck isohold shifts the responsibility from the anterior neck musculature to the posterior neck musculature. This movement, which involves a neck extension hold, is carried out by the trapezius and cervical extensors. Perform this exercise for balanced neck strength.

Exercise: Manual Neck Isohold Major Body Part: Neck Level: 1 Movement: Targeted Execution: 1. From a seated position with the elbows braced on the thighs, place the hands on the front of the head and apply manual (self-produced) isometric resistance for 10 seconds. 2. Place the hands on the back of the head and hold for another 10 seconds while applying manual resistance. If your arms are relatively short you may find that you have trouble keeping the elbows on the thighs for this variation. 3. Finish with a lateral isohold on each side (right and left) by placing the hand on the side of the head and applying manual resistance for 10 seconds. Picture:

Front

Exercise: Push-Back Major Body Part: Shoulders Level: 2 Movement: Vertical Pressing, Bilateral Execution 1. Stand with feet wider than hip width and set up as you would in the bottom of a push-up position, but keep your hips up. 2. Push up and back while crouching at the hips, keeping the hips higher than the shoulders. 3. Return to starting position. The eccentric component, or the lifting part of the movement, when the muscles are shortening should be an exact reverse of the concentric component, or the lowering part of the movement, when the muscles are lengthening. Picture:

Starting position

Exercise: Feet-Elevated Piked Push-Up Major Body Part: Shoulders Level: 3 Movement: Vertical Pressing, Bilateral Execution 1. Place your hands on the floor just wider than shoulder width and your feet on top of a sturdy chair, box, or weight bench. 2. Pike up into an L-position by walking your hands back while flexing the hips and raising your buttocks toward the ceiling, then lower your body toward the floor by bending your elbows. 3. When your head reaches the ground, reverse the motion to starting pike position by locking out the arms and pushing the body high and away from the floor. Picture:

Exercise: Three-Point Pike Push-Up Major Body Part: Shoulders Level: 4 Movement: Vertical Pressing, Bilateral Picture:

Once you become proficient in the feet-elevated pike push-up, increase the range of motion by performing the exercise between two sturdy, immobile chairs or boxes. This allows the head to travel farther down, placing more stress on the shoulder muscles and creating a more effective movement. The rear chair should be taller than the two front chairs. Exercise: Three-Point Pike Push-Up Major Body Part: Shoulders Level: 2 Movement: Target, Bilateral Execution 1. From a standing position with a towel wrapped around a pole, grab the ends of the towel and lean back into position. 2. Keeping the body in a straight line, raise your body by bringing the arms out to the sides. 3. Control the descent back to starting position. Picture:

Exercise: YTWL Major Body Part: Shoulders Level: 1 Movement: Target, Bilateral Execution 1. From a standing position, bend at the hips past a 45-degree torso angle, maintaining a neutral spine while sitting back and stretching the hamstrings. 2. Perform 10 dynamic Y motions by forming a Y with the arms, returning to starting position after each repetition. Switch to 10 T motions with the arms, followed by 10 W motions. 3. Transition into 10 L motions by holding the arms straight out with the elbows bent at 90 degrees and rotating at the shoulder joint so that the forearms move from vertical to the ground to parallel to the ground. Picture:

Y position, T position, W position, and L position. Exercise: Wall Handstand Push-Up Major Body Part: Shoulders Level: 4 Movement: Vertical Pressing, Bilateral Execution 1. Starting on your hands and knees, place your feet against the wall and walk your way up into a handstand position so that your toes end up against the wall, your body is relatively vertical and in a straight line, and you are facing the wall. 2. Lower the body slowly by bending the elbows until the head reaches the ground. 3. Reverse the movement and raise the body back to starting position. When the set finishes, walk your way down the wall back to your hands and knees. Picture:

Chest Exercise: Push-Up Major Body Part: Chest Level: 2 Movement: Horizontal Pressing, Bilateral Execution 1. Place your hands slightly wider than shoulder width and your feet close together on the ground with your body in a straight line from heels to head. 2. With the arms at a 45-degree angle, the hands positioned directly under the elbows, the glutes and abs contracted, and the entire body tight, lower yourself until your chest touches the ground. 3. Reverse the movement and raise your body until your elbows lock out. Picture:

Exercise: Short-Lever Push-Up Major Body Part: Chest Level: 2 Movement: Horizontal Pressing, Bilateral Picture: The short-lever push-up is a good variation for beginners because it uses about 20 percent less body weight than a regular push-up, thereby making the exercise easier. Keep the arms tucked and the body straight as you perform the push-up from the knees.

Exercise: Wide-Width Push-Up Major Body Part: Chest Level: 3 Movement: Horizontal Pressing, Bilateral Picture:

The wide-width push-up targets the pectoralis muscles differently than the regular push-up. To perform this movement, place the hands higher and wider on the floor compared to the standard version. Exercise: Elevated Push-Up Major Body Part: Chest Level: 3 Movement: Horizontal Pressing, Bilateral Execution

1. Place your feet on top of a couch, chair, or box and your hands on top of two chairs positioned slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. You also could use objects such as a weight bench and two sturdy boxes. 2. Keeping the body in a straight line and glutes tight, descend until you feel a stretch in your pecs. 3. Reverse the movement and push your body up until your elbows lock out. Picture:

Exercise: Short-Lever Elevated Push-Up Major Body Part: Chest Level: 2 Movement: Horizontal Pressing, Bilateral Picture: Exercisers who wish to take advantage of the extra range of motion provided in elevated pushups but aren’t quite strong enough to perform them can use the short-lever elevated push-up, which is performed with the knees, not the feet, on a couch or chair.

Exercise: Torso-Elevated Push-Up Major Body Part: Chest Level: 1 Movement: Horizontal Pressing, Bilateral Execution 1. Place your hands on top of a sturdy chair or table slightly wider than shoulder width and your feet close together on the ground. 2. Keeping your glutes contracted and your body in a straight line, lower yourself until your chest touches the chair or table. 3. Reverse the movement and raise your body until your elbows lock out. Picture:

Exercise: Feet-Elevated Push-Up Major Body Part: Chest Level: 3 Movement: Horizontal Pressing, Bilateral Picture:

The feet-elevated push-up is an advanced pectoral exercise that uses a greater percentage of body weight and changes the angle to make the movement more like an incline press, thereby activating more upper-pectoral musculature. Although you need to go deep for maximal effectiveness, try not to look up too much at the bottom of the movement so you don’t hyperextend the neck. Exercise: Side-to-Side Push-Up Major Body Part: Chest Level: 3 Movement: Horizontal Pressing, Unilateral Execution 1. Begin in a standard push-up position, feet close together with toes on the floor, hands under shoulders.

2. As you descend into the push-up, lean to one side, placing more stress on the side that you’re leaning toward. 3. Push up to lockout and alternate on the other side. Picture:

Descent to left side.

Descent to right side.

Exercise: Sliding Side-to-Side Push-Up

Major Body Part: Chest Level: 3 Movement: Horizontal Pressing, Unilateral Picture: You can use two paper plates on carpet to perform the sliding side-to-side push-up. (Also you could use commercially-available sliding exercise discs or, on a slick floor, small hand towels.) This is a highly challenging shoulder and core movement. Alternate hands, performing a push-up with one arm while sliding the other hand up in front of the body. Control the core and prevent excessive shifting and twisting.

Exercise: One-Arm Push-Up Major Body Part: Chest Level: 4 Movement: Horizontal Pressing, Unilateral Execution 1. Take a wider-than-normal stance. Place one arm under your body and grab your upper outer leg with the nonworking arm. 2. Lower your body while keeping the grounded arm tucked in close to the torso, keeping the body straight, the core tight, and the hips square. 3. Lift yourself to lockout while preventing excessive lateral and twisting motions. Picture:

Exercise: Self-Assisted One-Arm Push-Up Major Body Part: Chest Level: 3 Movement: Horizontal Pressing, Unilateral Picture:

You can perform self-assisted one-arm push-ups by placing one hand on top of a sturdy chair, weight bench, or stair and relying on the other arm, hand on the ground, as much as possible to execute the push-up. The hand on the chair or bench provides the minimum amount of resistance to help you achieve the repetition. This is an effective movement and serves as a valuable intermediate exercise between two-arm push-ups and one-arm push-ups. Exercise: Clapping Push-Up Major Body Part: Chest Level: 3 Movement: Horizontal Pressing, Bilateral Execution 1. Begin in standard push-up position with feet close together and arms slightly wider than shoulder width. 2. Lower the body and then propel the body upward as forcefully as possible, keeping the feet on the ground. 3. Once airborne, clap the hands together and then catch the body in standard push-up position. Picture:

Exercise: Knee Clapping Push-Up Major Body Part: Chest Level: 3 Movement: Horizontal Pressing, Bilateral Picture: People who struggle with clapping push-ups will find the knee clapping push-up easier. The variation shortens the lever and makes the movement easier since you perform this movement from the knees instead of the feet. But don’t write this variation off as less effective than the standard clapping push-up. It uses less body weight, which means you can push your body up higher. Some folks are powerful enough to push their body back up to a tall kneeling position.

Exercise: Whole-Body Clapping Push-Up Major Body Part: Chest Level: 4 Movement: Horizontal Pressing, Bilateral Picture:

The whole-body clapping push-up is the most advanced variation of the mix because it requires incredible upper-body explosiveness and core strength. The goal is to spring the body upward with enough power to propel the entire body off the ground. Aim for maximum height and maintain the quality throughout the set. Land properly by having the feet touch the ground first and then absorbing the impact through eccentric contraction of the upper-body pressing muscles. Exercise: Chest Dip Major Body Part: Chest Level: 3 Movement: Vertical Pushing, Bilateral Execution 1. Begin with the hands placed on the backs of two chairs or tables and the knees bent so the feet are off the ground. Instead of chairs or tables, use parallel bars or chest dip bars, if available.

2. Keeping the forearms relatively vertical, lower the body until you feel a big stretch in the pecs. Slightly lean forward. 3. Reverse the movement until the arms are locked out. Picture:

Exercise: Sliding Fly Major Body Part: Chest Level: 4 Movement: Targeted, Bilateral Execution 1. Begin in standard push-up position with both hands on paper plates, flared out slightly. Instead of paper plates, you also could use commercially-available sliding exercise discs or, on a slick floor, small hand towels. 2. Lower the body while sliding the arms out away from the body until the chest touches the floor. 3. Push the body up to starting position. Picture:

Exercise: Shot-Lever Sliding Fly Major Body Part: Chest Level: 3 Movement: Targeted, Bilateral Picture: Another way to learn this movement is to shorten the lever and perform this movement from the knees instead of the feet. This will allow you to work your way up to performing standard repetitions and will allow you to use good form from the get-go.

Core Exercise: Shot-Lever Sliding Fly Major Body Part: Core Level: 1 Movement: Linear Core Execution 1. Lie supine with the knees bent, feet on the floor, and hands at the ears. Hold the head and neck in neutral position, not flexed or twisted. 2. Flex the spine to 30 degrees of trunk flexion with most of the motion occurring in the thoracic spine, keeping the head and neck in proper position. 3. Hold at the top briefly and then lower the trunk slowly under control. Picture:

Exercise: Reverse Crunch Major Body Part: Core Level: 1 Movement: Linear Core Picture:

While the standard crunch targets the upper rectus abdominis a bit better than the lower rectus abdominis, if done correctly the reverse crunch will recruit more lower rectus abdominis and oblique activity because of the posterior pelvic tilting involved in the variation. Start with the hips flexed at 90 degrees and knees bent. Pull the knees toward the head and raise the buttocks off the ground. Exercise: Side Crunch Major Body Part: Core Level: 1 Movement: Lateral & rotary core Picture:

The side crunch variation is performed by shifting onto your side with the hips flexed and raising the trunk to about 30 degrees of lateral trunk flexion. Performing the crunch in this manner targets the obliques. Exercise: Superman Major Body Part: Core Level: 1 Movement: Linear core, Bilateral Execution 1. Lie prone on the ground with the arms stretched forward in front of the body, palms down, and the knees slightly bent and shoulder-width apart. 2. Simultaneously raise the torso and legs off the ground, hyperextending at the hips and not just the spine. Target the glutes and hamstrings in addition to the spinal erectors. 3. Hold the top position briefly and then lower the body to starting position. Picture:

Exercise: Superman Major Body Part: Core Level: 1 Movement: Lateral & rotary core, Unilateral Execution 1. Lie supine with the hips flexed in the air at 90 degrees. 2. With the hands at the ears, flex and rotate the upper spine by raising the torso off the ground about 30 degrees and twisting while flexing the opposite hip until the elbow and opposite knee meet each other. 3. Reverse the movement and twist to the opposite side as if riding a bicycle.

Picture:

Exercise: Seated Knee-Up Major Body Part: Core Level: 1 Movement: Linear Core, Bilateral Execution 1. While seated, lean back and grab the seat of the chair, keeping the feet on the floor, chest up, and head and neck in neutral position. 2. Keeping the knees bent, simultaneously move the trunk forward and the legs upward so the trunk and thighs move toward each other. 3. Lower the torso and feet to starting position. Picture:

Exercise: L-Sit Major Body Part: Core Level: 4 Movement: Linear Core, Bilateral Picture:

The L-sit is a challenging variation that involves holding an isometric, 90-degree, hips-flexed position while the entire body hovers over the ground. This advanced variation can be attempted after you’ve gained sufficient core strength and hamstring flexibility through other exercises. If you have proportionally shorter arms, you can place two blocks next to you, and you can put your palms flat on the blocks.

Exercise: Bent-Knee Single-Leg Lowering With Extension Major Body Part: Core Level: 1 Movement: Linear core, Unilateral Execution 1. Lie supine (face-up) on the ground. Bend both knees. Plant one foot on the ground and lift the other in the air, keeping the hip and knee flexed at 90 degrees. 2. Lower the bent leg toward the ground. As it approaches the ground, straighten the knee as you continue lowering the leg toward the ground, stopping just short of contact. Keep your lumbar spine in neutral position. 3. Reverse the movement and return to starting position. Picture:

Starting position

Exercise: Dead Bug Major Body Part: Core Level: 2 Movement: Linear core, Unilateral Picture:

The dead bug exercise is a more challenging variation that involves diagonal arm and leg movements. Start in a supine position with the hips, knees, and shoulders flexed to 90 degrees. Simultaneously lower one leg and the opposite arm toward the floor while keeping the lower back in a neutral position. This is much harder than it appears. Exercise: Double-Leg Lowering With Bent Knees Major Body Part: Core Level: 1 Movement: Linear core, Bilateral Execution 1. Lie supine, palms down and neck in neutral position, with hips and knees flexed to 90 degrees. 2. Keeping the knees bent, slowly lower both feet to the floor through eccentric hip extension. Do not let the lower back flatten out. 3. Reverse the movement to return to starting position. Picture:

Exercise: Lying Straight-Leg Raise Major Body Part: Core Level: 2 Movement: Linear core, Bilateral Picture:

The lying straight-leg raise is an advanced variation of double-leg lowering movements. Most people perform the movement incorrectly. Keep good posture during this movement and lower the legs slowly and under control. Exercise: Dragon Flag Major Body Part: Core Level: 4 Movement: Lateral & rotary core, Unilateral Picture:

The dragon flag is a highly advanced variation. Make sure you’re able to perform simpler movements before attempting this movement. Lie supine and grab hold of an object behind you such as a pole or bottom of a stable chair. Rotate your entire body about your upper shoulders, keeping the body in a straight line and maintaining good posture and core contraction. Exercise: Bent-Leg Sit-Up Major Body Part: Core Level: 1 Movement: Linear core

Execution 1. Lie supine with the hips bent 45 degrees and knees bent 90 degrees. 2. With the hands at the ears, flex the hips and upper back while moving only slightly in the lumbar spine. 3. Return to starting position. Picture:

Exercise: Straight-Leg Sit-Up Major Body Part: Core Level: 1 Movement: Linear core Picture:

The straight-leg sit-up is a variation of the sit-up and requires hamstring flexibility. Use the hip flexors to pull your body up while keeping the chest tall to prevent excessive rounding of the lower back.

Exercise: Twisting Sit-Up Major Body Part: Core Level: 1 Movement: Lateral & rotary core Picture:

The twisting sit-up is another classic movement, but just like the other sit-up variations, make sure you’re performing the exercise correctly. As you rise, keep the chest up to prevent excessive rounding. Don’t overrotate. Bring the opposite elbow toward the knee at the top of the movement. Exercise: Front Plank Major Body Part: Core Level: 1 Movement: Linear core Execution 1. Form a pillar or bridge by supporting your body in a prone position with only the feet and forearms touching the ground. 2. Keeping the body in a straight line with the elbows directly beneath the shoulders, the hands flat on the floor or clasped, and the head looking down, forcefully contract the quads and glutes. 3. Hold for time. Depending on your fitness level, hold the position for 30 seconds to 3 minutes. Picture:

Exercise: Short-Lever Front Plank Major Body Part: Core Level: 1

Movement: Linear core Picture: Beginners can practice proper plank performance by shortening the lever and conducting the exercise from their knees. The same rules apply. Make sure the body is in a straight line from the shoulders to the knees and squeeze the glutes.

Exercise: Feet-Elevated Front Plank Major Body Part: Core Level: 2 Movement: Linear core Picture:

It is possible to make the static hold more challenging by elevating the feet onto a weight bench, sturdy chair, or small table. Just don’t elevate the body too high. Ideally you want to be parallel to the ground for a maximum challenge. Exercise: Rotating Three-Point Plank Major Body Part: Core Level: 2 Movement: Lateral & rotary core Execution 1. Get into a standard plank position. While keeping the body stable, lift an arm into the air and hold for a 1-second count. 2. Return to starting position then raise the other arm into the air while keeping the body stable. 3. Return to starting position then raise one leg. 4. Return to starting position and raise the other leg. 5. Continue to rotate limbs in this manner for the entire set. Picture:

Exercise: Rotating Two-Point Plank Major Body Part: Core Level: 3 Movement: Lateral & rotary core Picture:

When the rotating three-point plank is mastered, it is possible to make the exercise even more challenging by performing a rotating two-point plank. Simply raise one arm and the opposite leg at the same time while keeping the body stable and preventing motion at the pelvis and spine. Exercise: Partner-Assisted Oblique Raise Major Body Part: Core Level: 3 Movement: Lateral & rotary core Execution 1. Begin with a partner holding your feet, your lower body draped over a weight bench, small table, or loveseat in a side-lying position, and your upper body suspended in the air with the hands at the ears and legs straight. 2. Lower the torso toward the floor, limiting the bending in the lower spine while receiving a stretch in the upper hips. Avoid rotating during the movement. 3. Raise the torso with a strong contraction in the gluteus medius and obliques. Picture:

Exercise: RKC Plank Major Body Part: Core Level: 2 Movement: Linear core Execution 1. Get into standard plank position on the forearms and toes. 2. Squeeze the glutes as hard as possible to posteriorly tilt (tuck under) the pelvis. Hold the pelvic tuck throughout the duration of the set. 3. Try to drive the elbows to the feet and the feet to the elbows as if trying to pike upward but keep the body in good alignment. Picture:

Exercise: Side Plank Major Body Part: Core Level: 2 Movement: Lateral & rotary core Execution

1. Form a side pillar or bridge by supporting your body in a side-lying position with just one foot and one forearm touching the ground. Stack the legs and place the hand of the upper arm on the hip. 2. Keep the body in a straight line from head to foot with a neutral head and neck position. Squeeze the glutes and keep the forearm of the lower arm pointed straight ahead. 3. Hold for time. Depending on your exercise level, hold for 15 to 60 seconds. Picture:

Exercise: Short-Lever Side Plank Major Body Part: Core Level: 1 Movement: Lateral & rotary core Picture:People who struggle with the conventional side plank should master the short-lever side plank before moving on to the side plank. Because the exercise is performed from the knees rather than from the feet, a lower percentage of body weight is used and the exercise is easier to control. The same rules apply: stay long and motionless. Exercise: Feet-Elevated Side Plank Major Body Part: Core Level: 3 Movement: Lateral & rotary core Picture:

The feet-elevated side plank is an advanced variation of the side plank. Elevate the feet onto a weight bench, small chair, box, or sturdy table. Ideally, you want the body to be parallel to the floor. Make the

exercise even more challenging by combining a hip abduction (like a side-lying hip raise) with the top leg or an external hip rotation (like a side-lying clams) while holding the position.

Exercise: Hanging Leg Raise With Bent Knees Major Body Part: Core Level: 2 Movement: Linear core Execution 1. Hang from a chin-up bar or sturdy rafter with palms forward and hands about shoulder-width apart, keeping the legs straight. 2. Raise the legs by flexing at the hips until the hips and knees are at 90-degree angles. 3. Lower the legs to starting position. Picture:

Exercise: Straight-Leg Hanging Leg Raise Major Body Part: Core

Level: 3 Movement: Linear core Picture:

The straight-leg hanging leg raise is an advanced variation that requires excellent hip flexor strength and hamstring flexibility. The same rules apply: keep the lumbar spine stable while moving solely at the hips. Exercise: Hanging Leg Raise With Reverse Crunch Major Body Part: Core Level: 3 Movement: Linear core, Bilateral Picture:

The hanging leg raise with reverse crunch combines hip flexion, posterior pelvic tilt, and lumbar flexion to work the hip flexors and abdominals. Raise the knees. When you reach 90 degrees, keep raising by titling the pelvis back and flexing the spine a bit, which will allow you to bring the knees all the way up toward your shoulders. Exercise: Oblique Hanging Leg Raise Major Body Part: Core Level: 3 Movement: Lateral & rotary core, Bilateral Execution 1. Hang from a chin-up bar or sturdy rafter with knees bent and hands shoulder-width apart, palms facing forward. Raise the knees by flexing at the hips. At the same time, pull your knees to one side by laterally flexing the spine. 2. Raise the knees to slightly over 90 degrees relative to the ground. Lower the legs to starting position then alternate to the other side. Picture:

Exercise: Windshield Wiper Major Body Part: Core Level: 4 Movement: Lateral & rotary core, Bilateral Picture:

The windshield wiper is an extremely advanced exercise. Don’t try it until you have mastered more basic core movement patterns. To perform this movement, raise the legs toward the shoulders and then rotate the legs from side to side, keeping the core tight and twisting mostly with the upper back, not the lower back. Control the motion and limit the rotational range of motion to spare the spine. Exercise: Sliding Rollout From Knees Major Body Part: Core Level: 3 Movement: Linear core, Bilateral Execution 1. Assume a kneeling position with both hands on paper plates. You may also use commerciallyavailable sliding exercise discs or, on a slick floor, small hand towels. Squeeze the glutes and keep the head and neck in a neutral position. 2. Lower your body under control by extending the hips and flexing the arms until your body approaches the floor. Keep the glutes contracted forcefully. 3. Rise back to the starting position. Picture:

Exercise: Standing Rollout Major Body Part: Core

Level: 4 Movement: Linear core Picture: Once you’ve mastered the kneeling rollout, you can progress to the standing rollout, one of the most challenging core movements around. From a standing position, reach down and place your hands on paper plates or other sliding devices. Slide out until your body is parallel to the ground and then rise back up. This sounds much easier than it really is. Break into the movement gradually by performing controlled negatives until you are able to perform the concentric portion properly. Don’t allow the hips to sag, the lower back to cave in, or the pelvis to anteriorly rotate. Keep the glutes contracted throughout the movement. If you do not have paper plates or other sliding devices, you can also walk the hands out with palms flat on the ground.

Exercise: Sliding Body Saw Major Body Part: Core Level: 3 Movement: Linear core Execution 1. Form a pillar by resting your body on the ground and propping yourself on your elbows and feet. Feet are on paper plates. You also can use commercially-available sliding exercise discs or towels on a slick floor. 2. Keep your glutes and quadriceps contracted and your head in a neutral position so your body forms a straight line. 3. Rock the body forward and backward through shoulder flexion and extension. The feet will slide with the forearms serving as a pivot point. Picture:

Back Exercise: Pull-Up Major Body Part: Back Level: 3 Movement: Vertical Pulling, Bilateral

Execution 1. Place your hands over the top edge of a sturdy door with a pronated grip (palms facing away from the body) and position your body flush against the door. (To keep the door from swinging, wedge a book underneath the door.) Your body is flush against the door at the bottom, but will move away from the door as you rise since the elbows are pined against the door. If a standard chin-up bar is available, that may be the preferred option. 2. Raise your body as high as you can while keeping a straight line from the shoulders to the knees. 3. Lower to starting position and repeat. Picture:

Exercise: Rafter Pull-Up Major Body Part: Back Level: 3 Movement: Vertical Pulling, Bilateral Picture:

It is important to figure out how to perform pull-ups in your home, and an alternative to the pull-up on a door is the rafter pull-up. Simply grip the top of a smooth, splinter-free rafter with a pronated grip and raise your body as high as it will go. Keep the core tight and don’t allow the low back to hyperextend or the pelvis to rotate. Exercise: Side-to-Side Pull-Up Major Body Part: Back Level: 4 Movement: Vertical Pulling, Unilateral Execution 1. Hang from a chin-up bar or rafter with the hands pronated and slightly wider than shoulderwidth apart. The knees can bend slightly or remain relatively straight. 2. Keeping the chest up and the core tight, pull the body up toward one side until the chin is over the rafter. 3. Lower to starting position and repeat, alternating from side to side. Picture:

Starting position

Pull up to one side

Exercise: Sliding Side-to-Side Pull-Up Major Body Part: Back Level: 4 Movement: Vertical Pulling, Unilateral Picture: The sliding side-to-side pull-up is a highly advanced maneuver that few people are able to perform. This exercise requires that you first raise the chin over the bar as you would in a standard pullup. Then slide all the way to one side and all the way to the other side before sliding back to the middle and finally lowering to the starting position. That constitutes one repetition. You won’t be able to perform many repetitions of this exercise, assuming you can do it at all.

Exercise: Towel Pull-Up Major Body Part: Back Level: 3 Movement: Vertical Pulling, Bilateral Execution 1. Drape a towel over a chin-up bar or rafter. Grab the towel with both hands. 2. From a stretched position, raise the body while keeping the core in neutral and pulling until the hands meet the upper chest. 3. Lower to starting position and repeat. Picture:

Exercise: One-Arm Self-Assisted Chin-Up Major Body Part: Back Level: 4 Movement: Vertical Pulling, Unilateral Picture:

The one-arm self-assisted chin-up is a highly challenging maneuver that only people with the most advanced upper-body strength will be able to master. However, you can always use the nonworking arm for a bit of assistance, and you just might end up being able to perform an unassisted one-arm chinup one day. If possible, find a beam narrower than a rafter because this exercise requires a pronated (palms facing away from the body) or supinated (palms facing toward the body) grip. A neutral grip is possible as well if you align your body so you are facing in the same direction as the length of the rafter and hold on to something placed beside the rafter. Exercise: Modified Inverted Row Major Body Part: Back Level: 2 Movement: Horizontal Pulling, Bilateral Execution 1. Grasp the sides of a sturdy table, keeping the knees bent at about 90-135 degrees and heels planted firmly on the ground. It’s a good idea to perform this exercise over a forgiving surface such as soft carpeting.

2. Keeping the body in a straight line from the knees to the shoulders, pull your body up until your chest meets the table. 3. Lower your body to starting position under control. Picture:

Exercise: Feet-Elevated Inverted Row Major Body Part: Back Level: 3 Movement: Horizontal Pulling, Bilateral Picture:

Once you reach proficiency with the modified inverted row, you can make the movement more challenging by progressing to the feet-elevated variation. Remember to keep the body in a straight line and squeeze the shoulder blades together at the top position. Exercise: Towel Inverted Row Major Body Part: Back Level: 2 Movement: Horizontal Pulling, Bilateral Picture:

The towel inverted row is another option. You’ll likely be able to figure out a way to drape a towel over a table, the corner of a table, two tall chairs, or even a door if you have a very long towel. You can get an efficient workout while positioning the body at a steeper incline. Focus on keeping the elbows to the sides and the chest high, and squeeze the shoulder blades back and down. Exercise: Side-to-Side Inverted Row Major Body Part: Back Level: 4 Movement: Vertical Pulling, Unilateral Execution 1. Begin suspended in a stretched position with the body in a straight line and the core tight with legs straight, heels against the ground, and palms facing forward. 2. Raise the body to one side. 3. Lower the body to the starting position and repeat, alternating sides. Picture:

Exercise: Sliding Side-to-Side Inverted Row Major Body Part: Back Level: 3 Movement: Horizontal Pulling, Unilateral Picture: The sliding side-to-side inverted row is a highly advanced maneuver. As in the case of the

sliding side-to-side pull-up, not many people will be able to perform this exercise right off the bat. If possible start with the body at a steep incline so you learn how to perform the movement correctly because it’s easy to waste energy trying to keep the body stable through compensatory rotary motion or body contortion. From a relaxed position, row the body straight up, then slide the body all the way to one side, then all the way to the other side, then back to the middle, and finally back down. Congratulations, you just performed one repetition. Alternate the side you shift to first on each repetition.

Exercise: One-Arm Inverted Row Major Body Part: Back Level: 4 Movement: Horizontal Pulling, Unilateral Picture:

Once you’ve mastered the two-arm row variations, it’s time to start practicing one-arm inverted rows. If you can start with a substantial body incline you’ll be able to perform the movement with good form right off the bat. It’s okay to rotate a little bit at first, but over time try to limit rotation throughout the movement. This exercise is well suited for using a towel. Exercise: Scapular Shrug Major Body Part: Back Level: 3 Movement: Targeted, Bilateral Execution 1. Position your body between two couches, chairs, or weight benches with the feet on the floor, the hips extended in line with the shoulders, and the backs of the upper arms resting on the platform at about 45-degree angles relative to the torso. 2. Dig your elbows into the platform and squeeze your shoulder blades together. This will cause your chest to rise in a short range of motion. 3. Lower the body to starting position under control and repeat. Picture:

Exercise: Corner Scapular Shrug Major Body Part: Back Level: 1 Movement: Picture:

Stand with your back to a corner and the upper arms in position against the two walls and the feet a few

feet out in front of the corner. Move the body outward, away from the corner, by squeezing the scapulae together. This is a short-range movement that targets the scapula retractors. Adjust your foot position to find the appropriate distance that creates just the right challenge.

Exercise: Towel Face Pull Major Body Part: Back Level: 1 Movement: Horizontal Pulling, Bilateral Execution 1. Hold on to the ends of a towel that is looped around a pole and lean back with the towel supporting your weight in a stretched position. 2. Keeping your chest up, your core tight, and your body in a straight line, pull your hands toward your ears while squeezing the scapulae together. 3. Lower to the starting position. Picture:

Thighs Exercise: Sumo Squat Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 2 Movement: Knee dominant, Bilateral Execution 1. Take a very wide stance and flare the feet, placing the arms in the mummy position across the upper body. Most people will gravitate toward a 45-degree flare but some prefer a straighter foot angle, depending on their hip anatomy. 2. Squat by sitting back, keeping the trunk upright and knees forced outward throughout the movement. 3. Descend until the thighs are parallel to the ground. Rise to a standing position. Picture:

Exercise: Wall Squat Isohold Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 1 Movement: Knee dominant, Bilateral Execution

1. Lean your back against a wall with your feet in front of you, hands on the hips. 2. Lower the body until the hips reach a 90-degree angle and the thighs are parallel to the ground. The knees are at a 90-degree angle with the shins perpendicular to the ground and the feet flat on the ground. 3. Hold for the desired amount of time: 30 seconds for beginners up to 120 seconds for advanced. Picture:

Once the wall squat isohold becomes easy, make the exercise more challenging by performing marches. You’ll probably need to start with the hips higher than the knees because this is not an easy variation. Over time you should be able to perform the movement from a 90-degree hip angle. Simply raise one leg off the ground and hold for time, then switch to the other leg. Hold for time, then switch to the other leg. Alternate from one leg to the other several times to fatigue the quadriceps. Exercise: Wall Squat March Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 3 Movement: Knee dominant, Unilateral Picture:

Once the wall squat isohold becomes easy, make the exercise more challenging by performing marches. You’ll probably need to start with the hips higher than the knees because this is not an easy variation. Over time you should be able to perform the movement from a 90-degree hip angle. Simply raise one leg off the ground and hold for time, then switch to the other leg. Hold for time, then switch to the other leg. Alternate from one leg to the other several times to fatigue the quadriceps. Exercise: Box Squat Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 1 Movement: Knee dominant, Bilateral Execution 1. Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart and the feet flared to your preference. Stand very close to the edge of a sturdy box, bench, chair, step, or stool. 2. Initiate the movement by breaking at the hips and sitting back, keeping the chest up, the knees out so they track over the toes, and the shins perpendicular to the floor. Remember to push through the heels. 3. Pause for a moment while sitting on the box and then rise, making sure to squeeze the glutes to lockout. Picture:

Exercise: Low Box Squat Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 2 Movement: Knee dominant, Bilateral Picture: The low box squat is performed with a sturdy box that is about 12 inches (30 cm) high, give or take an inch or two. Although your knees will travel forward a bit and you won’t maintain a vertical tibia (shin perpendicular to the ground), the goal is still to sit back and use the stronger hip extensor muscles rather than rely mostly on the quadriceps for performance. Exercise: Jump Box Squat Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 2 Movement: Knee dominant, Bilateral Picture:

The jump box squat is an explosive plyometric variation that involves sitting back on to the box (or sturdy chair) as you would in a typical box squat and then forcefully rising into a jump. Land softly and absorb shock properly by distributing the load among all the joints at play, especially the hips.

Exercise: Full Squat Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 2 Movement: Knee dominant, Bilateral Execution 1. Stand with a narrow stance and feet flared. Most people find a 30-degree foot flare most comfortable, but this depends on individual hip anatomy. Place the hands in a mummy position, crossed in front of the body. 2. Initiate the movement by simultaneously breaking at the knees and hips and dropping straight down. Keep the weight on the whole foot, keep the chest up, and force the knees out of the bottom of the movement so that the knees track over the middle of the feet. 3. Descend as deeply as possible while keeping a flat lower back. Rise to a standing position. Picture:

Exercise: Counterbalance Full Squate Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 1 Movement: Knee dominant, Bilateral Picture:

People who struggle with full squats can raise their arms as the squat descends, thereby creating a counterbalance effect that shifts emphasis away from the weaker knee joint and toward the stronger hip joint. Simply flex the shoulders and lift the arms until they are parallel to the ground as the hips flex during the descent of the squat movement.

Exercise: Jump Full Squat Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 2 Movement: Knee dominant, Bilateral Picture:

When the full squat becomes too easy, increase the challenge to the thigh musculature by rising forcefully into a jump. Remember to squat all the way down because this is not a standard vertical jump. Squat, keep the chest up and knees out, jump as high as possible, and then use the hips to absorb the landing. Exercise: Sissy Squat Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 2 Movement: Targeted, Bilateral Execution 1. Begin in a standing position with a narrow stance. Grasp something in front of you for balance. 2. Descend by breaking at the knees and shifting them forward while leaning the torso back and rising onto the toes. 3. Descend until the desired depth is reached and then rise to return to starting position. Picture:

Exercise: Single-Leg Box Squat Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 3 Movement: Knee dominant, Unilateral Execution 1. Stand in front of a sturdy box, bench, chair, step, or stool, with the hands in front of the body. 2. Standing on one leg, sit back and down onto the surface, keeping the chest up and the spine rigid. The knee tracks over the midfoot as you push through the heel. 3. Lift the arms for counterbalance. Pause on the box for a moment, then rise to return to starting position, making sure to squeeze the glutes. Picture:

Exercise: Single-Leg Low-Box Squat Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 3 Movement: Knee dominant, Unilateral Picture: As you progress in the single-leg box squat, you’ll be able to reduce the height of the box to continue increasing the exercise’s effectiveness. As you move to lower box heights, you won’t be able to sit back quite as far and you’ll need to allow the knee to travel forward a bit to maintain balance. Keep the low back arched and contract the spinal erectors forcefully to keep the pelvis from tucking under.

Exercise: Jumping Single-Leg Box Squat Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 4 Movement: Knee dominant, Unilateral Picture:

The jumping single-leg box squat is an advanced movement that requires considerable hip stability, balance, and strength. Simply add a jump to the movement by accelerating the body upward during the concentric phase with enough power to leave the ground, and make sure that the jump appears fluid and natural. If it’s not, you’re not yet ready for this variation. Single-leg movements challenge the body’s sensorimotor skills, promoting improvements in balance that are critical, especially as you age. Exercise: Skater Squat Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 3 Movement: Knee dominant, Unilateral Execution 1. Stand on one foot and place the hands in front of the body. 2. Sit back and down, breaking at the hips and knees while leaning forward at the trunk. 3. Descend until the knee of the nonworking leg approaches or touches the ground. Stand up to return to starting position. Perform all the repetitions with the weaker leg first and then switch and repeat with the stronger leg. Picture:

Exercise: Skater Squat With Knee Raise Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 3 Movement: Knee dominant, Unilateral Picture:

Adding a knee raise further challenges your single-leg stability because you’ll be standing on one leg the entire time, taking the nonworking leg from a position of hip extension to hip flexion. Squeeze the glute of the working leg and stand tall when the hip of the free leg is at its highest point of flexion. Exercise: Jumping Skater Squat Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 3

Movement: Knee dominant, Unilateral Picture:

The jumping skater squat is an advanced movement that requires considerable hip stability, balance, and strength. Just add a jump to the movement by accelerating the body upward fluidly with enough power to leave the ground. If the jump doesn’t appear fluid and natural, you’re not ready for this variation. Exercise: Pistol Squat Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 4 Movement: Knee dominant, Unilateral Execution 1. Stand on one leg. 2. Sink down by breaking at the hips and knees simultaneously. Raise the arms, flex the hip of the nonworking leg, keep the chest up, and push through the heel. 3. Descend until the desired depth is reached and then return to standing position. Picture:

Exercise: Towel Pistol Squat Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 2 Movement: Knee dominant, Unilateral Picture:

Most people aren’t nearly strong and coordinated enough to be able to perform pistol squats. The pistol squat is a highly challenging lower-body movement, and most of us need assistance to be able to perform the movement properly. It is possible to wedge a towel in a door or around a pillar to provide the assistance necessary to perform the lift.

Exercise: Static Lunge Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 1 Movement: Knee dominant, Unilateral

Execution 1. Get in a split-stance position that is wide enough that your front shin is vertical at the bottom of the lunge. Your hands are on the hips and feet pointed straight ahead. 2. Keeping the torso upright, descend until the back knee approaches or touches the ground. 3. Return to starting position. Picture:

Exercise: Forward Lunge Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 2 Movement: Knee dominant, Unilateral Picture: When the static lunge becomes easy, it’s time to move on to a more challenging variation. One way to add difficulty to the lunge pattern is to lunge forward and then spring back to starting position. This places extra emphasis on the quadriceps as they produce increased force to propel you back and up to standing. Exercise: Alternating Jump Lunge Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 3 Movement: Knee dominant, Unilateral Picture:

Once you master the forward lunge, try to perform a plyometric lunge by jumping into the air and alternating legs with each repetition. When performing the alternating jump lunge, spring straight up into the air as high as possible and absorb the landing by sinking into a lunge position. Repeat.

Exercise: Reverse Lunge Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 2 Movement: Knee dominant, Bilateral Execution 1. Stand with feet pointed straight ahead and hands on the hips. 2. Keeping most of the weight on the front leg, step back and lean forward to an approximately 30degree trunk angle, sinking into the working hip and descending until the back knee approaches or touches the ground. 3. Rise back to starting position. Picture:

Exercise: Deficit Reverse Lunge Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 2 Movement: Knee dominant, Unilateral Picture:

Once you master the reverse lunge, you can increase the exercise’s difficulty by standing on a step,

sturdy box, or short table that is approximately 6 to 10 inches (15-25 cm) high. The same rules apply, but this variation will increase your hip range of motion and provide a greater stretch to the working glute. Beware the following day. This exercise may impair your ability to sit down without appearing like an old man or woman. In other words, the stretch loading on the hips can produce serious glute soreness. Exercise: Step-Up and Reverse Lunge Hybrid Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 2 Movement: Knee dominant, Unilateral Picture:

The step-up and reverse lunge hybrid is one of my favorite exercises. Once you’ve mastered the stepup and deficit reverse lunge, you can perform a combination lift that is highly effective. Stand on top of the step, making sure your entire foot is on the step so you can push through the heel. Step back and upon landing, sink into a lunge position, feeling a big stretch in the glute. Keeping the chest up and a slight forward lean, spring up. Try to keep most of the emphasis on the front leg and avoid using the back leg for too much assistance. Exercise: Sliding Lung Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 2 Movement: Knee dominant, Unilateral Execution 1. Stand with feet pointed straight ahead about shoulder-width apart with hands on the hips and one foot on a paper plate. You also may use a commercially-available sliding exercise disc or, on a slick floor, a small hand towel. 2. Keeping most of the weight on the foot that isn’t on the plate, slide the foot on the plate back and lean forward to an approximately 30-degree trunk angle, sinking into the working hip and descending until the back knee approaches or touches the ground. 3. Rise to starting position. Picture:

Exercise: Step-Up Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 1 Movement: Knee dominant, Unilateral Execution 1. Begin with your entire foot placed on top of a step, sturdy box, chair, or weight bench. The other foot remains on the ground. 2. Shift your weight forward and lift your body weight by stepping up, making sure that the top leg does most of the work and the bottom leg doesn’t provide too much momentum. 3. Stand tall and squeeze the working glute. Do not touch the working leg to the bench and swing the nongrounded knee upward by flexing the hip. Lower yourself slowly and under control back to starting position. Picture:

Exercise: High Step-Up Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 2 Movement: Knee dominant, Unilateral Picture: As you gain proficiency in the standard step-up, increase the difficulty of the exercise by continuing to find higher steps. Never go so high that you can’t maintain an arch in the low back and the pelvis in a neutral position or slightly tilted back. Do not let the lower back round or the pelvis tuck under. Going ultrahigh encourages lumbar flexion and posterior pelvic tilt, which you should avoid. This variation is a favorite glute exercise of many of my female clients and, when performed correctly, provides an excellent single-leg strengthening stimulus.

Exercise: Alternating Jump Step-Up Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 2 Movement: Knee dominant, Unilateral Picture:

Perform a plyometric style of step-up by adding an explosive step-up and then jumping from one side of the step to the other in an alternating fashion. Aim to achieve maximum height on the jump and make sure your posture stays solid throughout the set. Exercise: Bulgarian Split Squat Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 2 Movement: Knee dominant, Bilateral Execution 1. Stand in front of a step, stair, couch, bed, table, stool, or weight bench. Reach back with one foot, resting the top of the foot on the top of the surface. (Think laces down.) 2. With an upright trunk or a slight forward lean, sink the knee of the rear leg down and slightly back while trying to keep most of the body weight on the front leg. 3. Descend until the back knee almost touches or touches the ground. Rise to starting position.

Picture: Exercise: Deficit Split Squat Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 2 Movement: Knee dominant, Bilateral Picture:

Once you master the traditional Bulgarian split squat, elevate the front foot on to a sturdy box or step. This allows you to sink deeper and move through even greater ranges of motion in the hip. This variation is known for inducing serious glute soreness because it provides a considerable stretch load to the muscle at the bottom of the movement. Place a pillow or folded towel under the knee of the rear leg so it doesn’t crash against the floor.

Exercise: Jump Split Squat Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 3 Movement: Knee dominant, Bilateral Picture:

Once you are proficient in the first two Bulgarian split-squat options, it is time to add a plyometric effect to the movement by jumping into the air. Sink all the way down, produce maximum concentric propulsion and jump as high as possible, and then absorb the landing softly. Exercise: Russian Leg Curl Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 3 Movement: Targeted, Bilateral Execution 1. Find a rail, beam, or stable couch to wedge your feet under. Kneel on top of a pillow or folded towel to reduce pressure on the knees. 2. With an upright trunk, lower the body under control while keeping the glutes tight, making sure not to bend forward too much at the hips or allow the pelvis to anteriorly rotate too much. 3. At the bottom of the movement, catch yourself in a push-up position and spring back to starting position, using the shoulder and arm muscles for assistance but attempting to maximize the torque on the knee joint and trying to rely on the hamstrings for movement production. Picture:

Exercise: Partner-Assisted Russian Leg Curl Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 3 Movement: Targeted, Bilateral Picture:

It helps tremendously to have a strong partner to assist with this movement. Have a partner hold the back of your ankles, bracing his or her body over your ankles and pushing down to hold you in position. As your body descends, your partner will need to brace very hard to provide the required support to secure your body so all of your energy goes into the exercise and isn’t wasted trying to stabilize yourself. Lower the body slowly and push your body back to starting position while trying to use the hamstrings as much as possible. Make sure you squeeze the glutes throughout the movement to ensure that the pelvis does not tilt forward. Exercise: No-Hands Russian Leg Curl Major Body Part: Thighs

Level: 4 Movement: Targeted, Bilateral Picture: The no-hands Russian leg curl is highly advanced. Most exercisers never get to this point, but with consistent training you’ll be able to perform the movement all on your own. Your hamstrings will be able to produce sufficient force to reverse your body and raise it to lockout with no assistance from your arms. When you reach this point, simply place your hands behind your back. As the set progresses, put your arms at the side just in case you need to use them to prevent a face plant. Exercise: Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 1 Movement: Hip dominant, Unilateral Execution 1. Stand on one foot. Squeeze the glute of the nongrounded leg to lock it into position as it travels back. 2. Making sure the rear leg stays in line with the torso, bend over at the waist while shifting the weight back and looking down to prevent cervical hyperextension. Keep the chest up. 3. Keeping a strong low-back arch, descend until your hamstring range of motion runs out. Reverse the motion back to starting position. Perform all the repetitions on the weaker leg first and then switch and repeat with the stronger leg. Picture:

Exercise: Reaching Romanian Deadlift With Knee Raise Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 2 Movement: Hip dominant, Unilateral Picture:

When you have mastered the single-leg Romanian deadlift, incorporate a reaching technique by flexing the shoulders to raise the arms so they’re in a straight line with the rest of the body. The rear leg, torso, and arms should be roughly parallel to the ground. In addition, perform a knee lift at the top of the movement while balancing on one leg. This exercise is challenging in terms of hip and thoracic spine flexibility as well as proprioceptive control. Exercise: Partner-Assisted Back Extension Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 1 Movement: Hip dominant, Bilateral Execution 1. With a partner holding the backs of your ankles, drape your body over the end of a couch or sturdy table so that your legs are straight and secured. Make sure the neck is in neutral position and the hands are in the mummy position (crossed in front of the body). 2. Bend at the hips and not the spine, getting a good stretch in the hamstrings. 3. Raise the torso while squeezing the glutes to lockout. Picture:

Exercise: Prisoner Back Extension Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 2 Movement: Hip dominant, Bilateral Picture: Once the traditional partner-assisted back extension becomes too easy, you can increase the difficulty by placing the arms overhead and clasping the hands behind the neck in the prisoner position. This increases loading at the end of the lever and requires additional hip torque. Exercise: Single-Leg Back Extension Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 2 Movement: Hip dominant, Unilateral Picture:

When double-leg back extensions become too easy, start performing the exercise one leg at a time. Keep the body rigid and don’t allow your energy to leak through lateral or rotary motion. Feel a stretch in the hamstrings down low and squeeze the glutes hard up top. When you have mastered this variation, place the arms in the prisoner position. This movement is one of the most effective bodyweight hamstring exercises available. Exercise: Reverse Hyper Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 1 Movement: Hip dominant, Bilateral Execution 1. Lie with your torso across a sturdy table, draping your legs over the edge and grasping the edges of the table, knees straight. 2. Keeping the torso locked into place, raise the legs, making sure to squeeze the glutes up top and prevent overextension of the low back. 3. Lower the legs to starting position, keeping the spine stable and making sure to prevent rounding the low back. Picture:

Exercise: Single-Leg Reverse Hyper Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 1 Movement: Hip dominant, Unilateral Picture:

For people who struggle with the double-leg reverse hyper, the single-leg reverse hyper is easier because it requires less from the spinal erectors. Focus on keeping proper body position and moving solely at the hips and not the spine. Soon you’ll be able to perform double-leg reverse hypers, but make sure you master the single-leg version first. Exercise: Sliding Leg Curl Major Body Part: Thighs Level: 3 Movement: Targeted, Bilateral Execution 1. Lie on your back with palms down, placing your heels on two paper plates. You also may use commercially-available sliding exercise discs or, on a slick floor, two small hand towels. 2. Bridge upward in the hips while simultaneously bringing the heels toward the buttocks. 3. Keep the hips high throughout the movement. Lower the body back to starting position.

Picture:

Glutes Exercise: Glute Bridge Major Body Part: Glutes Level: 1 Movement: Hip dominant, Bilateral Execution 1. Lie on your back with the knees bent at 90 degrees and the palms flat on the ground. 2. Pushing through the heels, raise the hips as high as possible using the gluteal muscles. Move solely around the hip joint and keep the lower back in a neutral position. 3. Hold the bridge in the top position for a moment, then lower the hips to starting position. Picture:

Exercise: Glute March Major Body Part: Glutes Level: 2 Movement: Hip dominant, Unilateral Picture:

Once you master the glute bridge, experiment with the marching variation. At the top of the movement, lock your body into position and then raise one leg by flexing at the hips. This is challenging because you’ll be forced to stabilize your body weight on just one leg. Lower the leg to the ground and then alternate to the other leg. Exercise: Single-Leg Glute Bridge Major Body Part: Glutes Level: 2 Movement: Hip dominant, Unilateral Picture: After you’ve become proficient at the glute march, move on to the single-leg glute bridge. Simply keep one leg bent 90 degrees at the hip and knee and perform the bridging movement on one leg. After completing all the repetitions, repeat with the other leg.

Exercise: Shoulder-Elevated Hip Thrust Major Body Part: Glutes Level: 1 Movement: Hip dominant, Bilateral Execution 1. Facing upward, place your upper back on top of a couch, sturdy chair, or weight bench with your feet flat on the ground. 2. Place the hands on the ears and extend the hips by squeezing the glutes. Push through the heels and keep the lower back in a neutral position. 3. Rise as high as possible through the hips and then lower your hips to starting position. Picture:

Exercise: Shoulder-Elevated Hip Thrust March Major Body Part: Glutes Level: 2 Movement: Hip dominant, Unilateral Picture:

When the shoulder-elevated hip thrust becomes easy, experiment with the marching variation. Simply rise to the top of the bridging motion, stabilize the body, and march by raising one leg after another through hip flexion. Marching variations are excellent hip stability exercises.

Exercise: Single-Leg Hip Thrust Major Body Part: Glutes Level: 2 Movement: Hip dominant, Unilateral Picture: Once the marching variation is no longer challenging, perform the single-leg hip thrust. This is an advanced variation that requires considerable hip extension strength and rotary stability in the lumbopelvic region. Rise up all the way; many exercisers skimp on their range of motion when this movement gets difficult. Exercise: Shoulder-and-Feet-Elevated Hip Thrust Major Body Part: Glutes Level: 2 Movement: Hip dominant, Bilateral Execution 1. Facing upward, place your upper back on a couch, sturdy chair, or weight bench and your feet on a small table, stool, or chair. The two surfaces should be roughly the same height. 2. Extend the hips by squeezing the glutes. Push through the heels and keep the lower back neutral. 3. Rise as high as possible through the hips and then lower the hips to starting position. Picture:

Exercise: Single-Leg Shoulder-and-Feet-Elevated Hip Thrust Major Body Part: Glutes Level: 4 Movement: Hip dominant, Unilateral Picture:

Once you reach proficiency in the double-leg shoulder-and-feet-elevated hip thrust, you can try the single-leg version. Many people foolishly rush into this variation before they’re ready for it. The single-leg shoulder-and-feet-elevated hip thrust is likely the most challenging bodyweight exercise for the hips because it requires tremendous gluteal strength and stability. Frankly, most beginners and even most intermediate exercisers don’t possess this. Take your time moving up through the exercise progressions so by the time you start performing the single-leg shoulder-and-feet-elevated hip thrust you can perform it correctly. This means moving the hips through a controlled and full range of motion while preventing lateral and rotational energy leaks. Pause briefly at the top of each repetition to ensure proper performance. Exercise: Donkey Kick Major Body Part: Glutes Level: 1 Movement: Hip dominant, Unilateral Execution 1. Start on all fours (quadruped position) with the head, neck, and spine in neutral position, the hands under the shoulders and the knees under the hips. No flexion, extension, lateral flexion, or rotation in the neck and spine. 2. Kick one leg to the rear until you reach full extension. 3. Return to starting position. Complete all repetitions on one leg before switching legs. Picture:

Exercise: Bent-Leg Donkey Kick Major Body Part: Glutes Level: 1 Movement: Hip dominant, Unilateral Picture:

The bent-leg donkey kick, in which the knee is bent to 90 degrees while the leg is lifted, shortens the hamstrings and reduces the participation of the hamstrings in the movement. Because the hamstrings are weakened, the stronger glutes will pick up the slack, which makes this movement a more targeted glute exercise because it requires less hamstring and spinal erector torque while keeping the tension on the glutes. Squeeze the glutes at the top of the movement and keep the spine straight as the hip rises. Exercise: Bird Dog Major Body Part: Glutes Level: 1 Movement: Hip dominant, Unilateral Picture:

The bird dog exercise builds on the donkey kick by adding a diagonal upper-body movement pattern to complement the lower-body movement and allow for proper transfer through the core. During this movement alternate between extension patterns of diagonal pairs—left arm combined with right leg and right arm combined with left leg. The diagonal movement patterns call on the spinal stabilizers to resist rotational movement, which makes for an effective core-stability exercise. Exercise: Side-Lying Clam Major Body Part: Glutes Level: 1 Movement: Targeted, Unilateral Execution 1. Start in a side-lying position with the hips bent at about 135 degrees and the knees bent at about 90 degrees. The neck rests on the arm on the ground. The other arm is braced on top of the hip. 2. With the heels touching each other, rotate the top hip up. Be sure to move at the hips. Don’t lean to one side or move at the spine. The heels stay together for the entire set. 3. Return to starting position. Complete the desired number of repetitions and repeat on the other side. Picture:

Exercise: Side-Lying Clam at Neutral Position

Major Body Part: Glutes Level: 1 Movement: Targeted, Unilateral Picture:

The side-lying clam can also be performed in a hips-neutral manner by keeping a rather straight line from the shoulders to the knees. Keep the heels in contact with each other through the duration of the set and avoid leaning or twisting at the spine. Exercise: Side-Lying Hip Raise Major Body Part: Glutes Level: 3 Movement: Hip dominant, Unilateral Execution 1. From a side-lying position, lift up onto the lower elbow and place the hand of the other arm on the hip. 2. Making sure that the body is in a straight line from the shoulders to the knees, raise the body by simultaneously abducting the bottom and the top hips. 3. Lower yourself to starting position. Complete the desired number of repetitions and repeat on the other side. Picture:

Calves Exercise: Elevated Calf Raise Major Body Part: Calves Level: 1 Movement: Targeted, Bilateral Execution 1. Begin with the toes on a platform or step and the body upright. 2. While grasping something for balance, lower the body and feel a good stretch in the calves. 3. Raise the body as high as possible on the toes, holding the top position for a 1-second count. Repeat until the desired number of repetitions is completed. Picture:

Exercise: Single-Leg Elevated Calf Raise Major Body Part: Calves Level: 1 Movement: Targeted, Unilateral Picture:

Once the double-leg elevated calf raise becomes easy, move to the single-leg variation. Make sure you sink into this movement and load up the working leg to its full potential. Remember to pause for a second at the top of the repetition. I still struggle to achieve 20 repetitions of this movement. Exercise: Squat Calf Raise Major Body Part: Calves Level: 3 Movement: Targeted, Bilateral Execution 1. Begin with your weight on your toes and sink into a parallel squat position so the knees are bent to about 90 degrees. 2. While grasping something for balance and holding the hip and knee position steady, lower the body at the ankle and feel a good stretch at the ankle joint. 3. Raise the body as high as possible onto the toes, holding the top position for a 1-second count. Repeat until the desired number of repetitions is completed. Picture:

Exercise: Stiff-Leg Ankle Hop Major Body Part: Calves Level: 2 Movement: Targeted, Bilateral Execution 1. Stand with the hands at the sides or on the hips and feet shoulder-width apart. 2. Hop straight up and down, keeping the knees and hips relatively straight while trying to rely solely on the calf muscles to propel the body up. 3. Repeat until the desired amount of time has passed or number of repetitions is reached. Picture:

Exercise: Single-Leg Ankle Hop Major Body Part: Calves Level: 2 Movement: Targeted, Unilateral Picture:

Once double-leg hopping becomes easy, start performing the movement one leg at a time. This is a much more demanding task and requires considerably more calf muscle strength and power. If you find yourself appearing sloppy and wasting energy during this movement, return to the double-leg version until you’re ready to progress to single-leg hopping.

Whole-Body Exercise: Jumping Jack Major Body Part: Whole Body Level: 1 Movement: Whole Body, Bilateral Execution 1. Stand with the arms to the sides and feet about hip-width apart. 2. Jump up while spreading the legs apart and raising the arms to the sides until they reach overhead. 3. Land and then spring back to starting position, bringing the legs back together and lowering the arms. Picture:

Exercise: Transverse-Arm Jumping Jack Major Body Part: Whole Body Level: 1 Movement: Whole Body, Bilateral Picture:

An alternative to the standard jumping jack is the transverse-arm jumping jack. This variation provides a better stretch for the pectorals and rear deltoids. Simply cross the arms in front of the torso as you jump up and down. Exercise: Burpee Major Body Part: Whole Body Level: 2 Movement: Whole Body, Bilateral Execution 1. From a standing position, squat and place your palms on the floor. 2. Kick the feet back and land in a push-up position. 3. Kick the feet forward under the hips and land in a squat position then stand up. Picture:

Exercise: Burpee With Push-Up, Jump, and Reach Major Body Part: Whole Body Level: 3 Movement: Whole Body, Bilateral Picture:

If you’re in good physical shape and you’d like a more advanced type of burpee, add a push-up, jump, and reach. This makes the burpee one of the most challenging conditioning exercises. From a standing position, drop into a squat, kick the feet into a push-up position, perform a push-up, kick the feet forward and land in a squat, and then jump as high as possible while reaching to the sky. Exercise: Push-Up With Hip Extension Major Body Part: Whole Body Level: 2 Movement: Whole Body, Bilateral Execution 1. Get into the top of a push-up position. Keep the head and neck in neutral position and one leg flexed forward with the knee bent so you’re maintaining three points of contact. 2. As you lower the body toward the floor, simultaneously extend the hip of the free leg while keeping the knee bent the entire time. The hip will reach peak extension at the same time the torso reaches its lowest position. 3. Rise by pressing the torso up with the pectorals, deltoids, and triceps while reversing the hip back into flexion. Complete the desired number of repetitions and repeat with the other leg.

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Exercise: Towel Row Isohold With Glute March Major Body Part: Whole Body Level: 3 Movement: Whole Body, Bilateral Execution 1. Drape a towel over a sturdy table or weight bench that is about waist height. With the feet on the ground and the knees bent, grasp the ends of the towel and row the body up. 2. Holding the body in an isometric rowing position, lift one leg off the ground by flexing at the hip and then straightening the leg. 3. Raise the leg all the way and then lower it back down. Alternate to the other leg in a marching fashion. Picture:

Exercise: Sit-Up to Stand With Jump and Reach Major Body Part: Whole Body Level: 3 Movement: Whole Body, Bilateral Execution 1. Lie on your back with your arms overhead, knees bent, and feet flat on the ground. If you wish, tuck a small pillow under your buttocks. Swing the arms forward while performing an explosive sit-up maneuver. 2. Propel your body forcefully so that you’re able to transition to a deep squat. Then arch the back and jump into the air while reaching the arms overhead. 3. Absorb the landing softly, squat, and gently roll the body back to starting position. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions. Picture:

Exercise: Mountain Climber Major Body Part: Whole Body Level: 3 Movement: Whole Body, Unilateral Execution 1. From a standing position, bend over and place your palms on the floor. 2. Sink the hips down and straighten out one leg behind the body. 3. Alternate between jumping one leg forward by flexing the hip and kicking the other leg back by extending the hip in a climbing maneuver. Picture:

Exercise: Bear Crawl Major Body Part: Whole Body Level: 2 Movement: Whole Body, Unilateral Execution 1. Facing downward and keeping your head and neck in neutral alignment, start on all fours so your hands and feet are in contact with the ground. 2. Keeping low to the ground, crawl forward like a bear by flexing the arm and hip on one side of the body while simultaneously extending the arm and hip on the other side of the body. 3. Crawl forward for the desired length and then crawl backward to starting position. Picture:

Exercise: Crocodile Crawl Major Body Part: Whole Body Level: 3

Movement: Whole Body, Unilateral Execution 1. Facing down and keeping your head and neck in neutral alignment, start on all fours with your weight on your hands and feet. 2. Sink the upper body as you would in the bottom of a push-up position, then crawl forward like a crocodile by alternating diagonal patterns of opposite shoulder and hip flexion and shoulder and hip extension combined with torso and hip rotation to allow for increased range of motion. Move forward with the hand and foot on opposite sides. 3. Making sure the knees track on the outside of the adjacent arm, crawl forward for the desired length and then crawl backward to starting position. Picture:

Exercise: Jumping Muscle-Up Major Body Part: Whole Body Level: 4 Movement: Whole Body, Bilateral Execution 1. Stand under a sturdy rafter or chin-up bar. Jump up and grasp the rafter or bar with the hands pronated (palms turned away). 2. Without losing momentum, pull your body up as if performing an explosive pull-up. 3. Keep rising and transition into a dip movement, then lower the body back to starting position. Picture:

Exercise: Crab Walk Major Body Part: Whole Body Level: 2 Movement: Whole Body, Unilateral Execution 1. In a face-up position with the neck in a neutral position and the head looking up, begin on all fours so that your butt is off the ground and your hands and feet are maintaining contact with the ground. 2. Keeping the hips high, walk the body back like a crab using same-side patterns of knee and arm movement. 3. Walk the body back the desired length and then reverse the motion and walk the body forward to return to starting position. Picture: